bush, bill clinton and jimmy carter in south africa. >> a total of ten heads of state are expected to honor the former south african president. but as alfonso van marsh reports, the celebrations of his life have not led up since i died last thursday. >> reporter: south africans are preparing for public services for nelson mandela this week. president obama leaves this morning for johannesburg where he'll tend tomorrow's massive public memorial. former presidents clinton, bush and carter will also be in attendance along with more than 50 heads of states. the head of south africa's national defense force says the country is prepared for the challenge of keeping so many dignitaries safe. 11,000 soldiers have been deployed around the country to protect the mourners. >> we believe that the people will be watching how south africa will perform. >> reporter: this makeshift memorial outside nelson mandela's former home is one of the places where south africans have been gathering since his death. a weekend of mourning was topped off on sunday with a day of pray. south africans of all races an